
          When the merchant guided the servants and animals to Wali Dad's 
     hut, the grass-cutter was beside himself. "Will bad fortune never 
     end!" he cried. "Please, do not stop for a minute! Keep for yourself 
     two of each animal, and take the rest to the Queen of Khaistan!" 
          "How can I go to her again?" protested the merchant. But Wali Dad 
     pleaded so hard, the merchant consented to go just once more. 
          This time, the Queen was stunned by the magnificence of Wali 
     Dad's gift. She turned again to her Prime Minister. 
          "Clearly," said the Prime Minister, "the man wishes to marry you. 
     Since his gifts are so fine, perhaps you should meet him!" 
          So the Queen ordered a great caravan made ready, with countless 
     horses, camels, and elephants. With the trembling merchant as guide, 
     she and her court set out to visit the great Wali Dad. 
          On the third day, the caravan made camp, and the Queen sent the 
     merchant ahead to tell Wali Dad of her coming. 
          When Wali Dad heard what had happened, his head sank to his 
     hands. "Oh, no!" he groaned. "Now I will be paid for all my 
     foolishness. I have brought shame on myself, on you, and on the Queen. 
     What are we to do?" 
          "I fear we can do nothing!" said the merchant, and he headed back 
     to the caravan. 

